Top 10 Grapefruit Essential Oil Uses

Grapefruit is a very common and very large member of the citrus fruit family that is enjoyed for its unique flavor and high nutrient content. The fruit itself is regularly associated with good health and nutrition, however medicinal use of grapefruit may have more to do with oil extracted from its peel than anything else. Today, grapefruit oil essential oil uses are typical in cosmetics, skin care products and shampoos and conditioners. But, there may be many other ways in which the refreshing and rejuvenating oil may be beneficial.

Most essential oil uses relate to naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the oils themselves. These chemicals are what are responsible for some of the purported medicinal uses of various plant and fruit oils. In the case of grapefruit, its oil contains a high concentration of limonene, along with other chemicals like linalool, citronellol, pinene, terpinene, thujene and others. These compounds are the source of both past historical and modern day grapefruit essential oil uses for health and beauty, and ten of the best of them can be found below!

1. Infections: There are many essential oils that have antimicrobial effects, and grapefruit is thought to be one of the most effective in this regard, demonstrating activity in studies against bacteria strains like e. coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus aureus. Further research found it an effective agent against the likes of shigella flexneri and various strains of fungi. These findings point to an abundance of potential use for grapefruit oil.

2. Disinfecting Spritz: Add a few drops of grapefruit oil to water to provide a pleasant smelling and effective means of killing germs on soft and hard surfaces alike. These same grapefruit essential oil uses can be taken advantage of in the form of diffusion, where home air purification may be possible as well.

3. Toothbrush Cleaning: Many people forget about the fact that their toothbrushes can be downright disgusting, and plain water rinses may not remove all the germs that can be found on them. Disinfecting them in a cup of water with a couple of drops of grapefruit oil may help keep them (as well as the mouth that they are destined for) cleaner.

4. Cellulite: Grapefruit oil’s inclusion in skin and hair products is likely the result of several factors, but one reason in particular that it may be ideal for skin care is that it’s thought to help reduce the appearance of cellulite in some cases. Most skin related grapefruit essential oil uses including this one, are best taken advantage of when the oil is diluted in a carrier oil and then used in external massage.

5. Diarrhea: Most of the time, diarrhea is caused by some sort of pathogen invading the digestive tract. Though there are products available in order to treat the unpleasant symptoms of the symptom, so to speak, grapefruit essential oil uses may include targeting the infection at its source, thanks to its natural antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Internal use of the oil may be most effective here, where about three drops of therapeutic grade oil are added to glass of water or juice and then consumed.

6. Immunity: Citrus fruits have long been associated with immunity, and grapefruit is no exception. With regards its potent peel oil, a massage of the lymph nodes with the oil diluted in a carrier may be beneficial when symptoms of a cold or the flu appear.

7. Hangovers: There is no one hangover cure that is effective for everyone, but for people who have tried “the hair of the dog” and other hokey remedies, aromatherapy with grapefruit oil may be worth considering. The uplifting aroma is believed by some to help reduce hangover related symptoms, and it’s also been associated with reversing mental fatigue when used in aromatherapy.

8. Appetite Suppression: There is no magic weight loss aid found in nature, and grapefruit essential oil uses don’t include miraculous pound shedding. However, ingesting the oil (therapeutic grade only) a few drops at a time may help suppress the appetite, which when combined with a sensible diet and regular exercise, could lead to some weight loss.

9. Wound Care: Grapefruit oil is too powerful to apply neat to cuts, scrapes or burns. But, when diluted with a carrier, the oil’s antiseptic and diuretic properties are still quite prevalent and provide soothing benefits to the surrounding skin, too.

10. Stimulation: Grapefruit essential oil uses in terms of aromatherapy are like other citrus fruits in that it may provide uplifting stimulation and relief from stress and anxiety. Studies have proven that aromatherapy can be effective at promoting feelings of well being in some individuals, but grapefruit oil may provide even more beneficial activity. Some believe that it may stimulate the body’s endocrine system for metabolic function, stimulate circulation and the nervous system as well.

Grapefruit oil is relatively common and affordable and requires no blending for the majority of its healthful benefits to be taken advantage of. However, some of its strength makes it a popular addition to massage and skin care blends, as well as it’s popular and pleasant scent.

Disclaimer

The information provided herein is intended for a general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or a treatment for specific medical conditions. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Always consult with your doctor or other professional healthcare provider for a medical advice.